Chris-Craft Calypso 26 Review

Many people lament the simple fact we no longer build things the way we used to. At the same time, still other people find themselves mesmerized by modern technology and engineering. Perhaps that’s why just about everyone likes the remarkable Chris-Craft Calypso 26 – a thoroughly modern day boat that blends today’s high-tech with legendary craftsmanship.

That the Calypso is a unique creation becomes obvious from the moment you spot it at the dock. Smooth, elegant lines and flawless fiberglass gelcoat meet with classic teak and stainless steel trim, giving the boat an enormously attractive, Art Deco-inspired look that is immediately unique and immensely appealing. Stretching 26.5 feet in length, the elegant Chris-Craft Calypso 26 presents an open, inviting layout that stresses fun in the sun. But there’s a lot going on beneath the surface, with new discoveries waiting throughout.

Spacious bow seating in the Calypso 26 is roomier than most. Note the integrated beverage holders, stereo speakers and fold-down arm rests.

Stepping aboard, the distinctive styling is impossible to ignore. Plush seating with its diamond-topstitched upholstery suggests a classic luxury sportscar, and invites you to pause and get comfy. At the same time, the open floorplan invites you to explore. Beyond the sumptuous upholstery, there’s stainless steel everywhere – the cleats, the Art Deco bow light cover, the bow and stern eyes, the through-hull fittings, grab rails, navigation lights, beverage holders, the stern boarding ladder, fishing rod holders, even the gas rams used to hold open hatch lids are crafted from shiny stainless. You just don’t see this kind of attention to detail and superlative construction any more, yet here it is in the Calypso 26.

The stylish helm provides plenty of space for large touch-screen displays. The integrated foot rest and adjacent drink holder are positioned for optimal comfort.

Yet for all of its old-world craftsmanship, the Chris-Craft Calypso 26 is thoroughly modern, with amenities like low-voltage LED lighting throughout, digital throttle and shift controls, a high-end Fusion stereo with Bluetooth streaming, an LCD depth finder, an available Garmin electronics package with touch-screen multi-function displays, UV- and stain-resistant upholstery and an Esthec synthetic teak swim platform that looks just like the real thing, but without the incessant, never-ending maintenance. And that’s only the start.

Diamond-quilt topstitching in the soft upholstery recalls the interior treatment in classic sports cars.

The bow makes the most of its classic bowrider design, with full wrap-around seating that’s roomier than most. Fold-down arm rests on the forward-facing seat backs are a thoughtful addition, as is the ability to mount a pedestal table here and turn the bow into a comfy lunch spot. A discreet in-floor storage compartment between the two bow lounges provides a place to stow bulky items, while stainless grab rails provide a bit of extra security while underway.

The compact galley is extremely well equipped.

Step aft through the walk-through windshield (stainless, of course) and a second in-floor storage compartment lies between the helm and passenger consoles. Both the driver and companion ride on full-height Captain’s chairs with fold-down arm rests and flip-up bolsters, allowing added visibility when idling through no-wake zones. The companion console houses a spacious and bright head compartment, while the helm console is topped by a neat and well laid-out dash with a variety of electronics options.

Seats that retract into the gunnels and transom convert the cockpit from seating to an open space that’s ideal for fishing, diving or other recreational pursuits.

An aft-facing lounge seat sits back-to-back with the companion bucket, while aft of the helm seat is a neat fiberglass console that contains a compact galley – complete with a solid-surface countertop, a sink with faucet, and a grill. There’s an additional storage compartment in the galley base.

An available teak three-piece folding table transforms the cockpit into an extensive dining space.

An in-floor receptacle in the middle of the open aft cockpit marks another spot to install a pedestal table. Available retracting seats that fold flat into the gunnels and transom can be pulled out as needed to provide as much or as little seating as required. Once you’re done with the meal, put away the table, fold up the seats and you have a wide-open cockpit again, that’s perfect for fishing, diving or any other type of recreation. It’s a brilliant design, and just one more way the Chris-Craft Calypso 26 manages to bring out the oohs and aahs from any crowd.

An extended sun shade is only one of many useful options available to Calypso owners.

The Calypso comes with a long list of standard features, along with an enticing option list that includes niceties such as underwater lighting, a teak three-piece folding cockpit table, the aforementioned Garmin electronics package and more. Standard power is a Mercury 350 horsepower Verado outboard, with a range of engine upgrades – including single and twin installations from both Mercury and Yamaha – available.

If you love the latest technology but understand that sentiment about not building things the way we used to, then you’ll likely fall head-over-heels for the Chris-Craft Calypso 26. A modern day yacht built to legendary exacting standards, it’s one boat that truly stands apart in a crowded fleet of competitors.

Visit ChrisCraft.com to learn more about the Calypso.